To Repeat: It’s Posey Time

A few days ago, the Chronicle’s John Shea stated the case for Buster Posey as the Giants’ catcher for the remainder of the season. The idea sounded somewhat bold then, especially to manager Bruce Bochy, who wasn’t about to abandon “his guys,” Bengie Molina and Eli Whiteside, with the wild-card spot still within reach, and that’s a proper, traditional stance.

That spot is long gone now. We’ve all been wrong about the Giants at some point this year, writing them off prematurely, but they’re not going to make up five games with 11 left and both the Braves and Marlins in the picture. They just aren’t. Which is why Posey in the lineup, tonight and for the rest of the season, makes so much sense.

For one thing, it might make the Giants better. I’m on record in favor of bringing back Molina, preferably for one year but even for two, if that’s what it takes. But Molina, while he’d never admit it, is worn down from the long season. He has a very sore hand and untold other bumps and bruises, the kind only a catcher could understand. Posey, in his brief appearances behind the plate, looks solid and composed; he’s ready for this. If he occasionally looks overmatched at the plate — wow, welcome to the club. Posey has always hit, everywhere he’s been. Let’s get a look at that bat in prime time.

It’s one thing to evaluate a prospect in spring training, where much of the action can be deceiving. It’s another to get two weeks of authentic big-league ball against two teams within your division (Arizona and San Diego) and the Chicago Cubs. If Molina protests, (a) he’s not grasping the big picture and (b) too bad. Just as Madison Bumngarner is getting some invaluable experience on the mound, Posey needs to own this job as the season draws to a close. Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain and Barry Zito (among others) need to know how this guy works, what makes him tick, what mannerisms and traits he shows behind the plate. Get a jump on that now. It no longer makes sense to wait.